Jeff Chandler

April 20, 2012

Obituary for Jeff ChandlerJanuary 18, 1942-April 15, 2012Jeff Chandler passed away peacefully on April 15, 2012, at his home in Rancho Santa Fe, California, surrounded by his family. He was first diagnosed and treated for prostate cancer in 1998 and had a recurrence in 2007. He waged an amazing battle against the disease, never complaining and keeping his positive attitude to the very end. Jeff thoroughly researched prostate cancer and continued to search for new treatments both in this country and abroad.Jeffrey Chandler was born January 18, 1942, in Los Angeles, California, the son of Philip Chandler and Alberta Williamson Chandler. He was the grandson of Harry Chandler, Marian Otis Chandler, Albert Warren Williamson and Inez Culp Williamson. Jeff spent his childhood in Pasadena, attending local schools, including Polytechnic and USC. He spent his summers on Balboa Island, learning to sail in a Sabot, and progressing to Endeavors, Solings and eventually Olympic 5.5’s. He would continue to sail for many years, racing up and down the California coast in his boat, Pressurecooker, and in the Transpac in 1995.Jeff met his future wife, Charlotte Nilsson, in Newport Beach in 1967. They were married in his parents’ Pasadena living room on March 27, 1971. Their daughter, Kristina, was born April 6, 1972, in Newport Beach. In 1975 the Chandlers moved to San Diego County when Jeff bought FM station KARL in Carlsbad, established Tri-Cities Broadcasting and changed the station’s name to KKOS. After eight years of negotiations, KKOS was upgraded from 3,000 watts to 25,000 watts and renamed KUPR, giving it power throughout San Diego County and Tijuana from its transmitter on Mt. Soledad. It could be heard from Laguna Beach to the Mexican border.Jeff sold the radio stations in 1997 in order to have more time for both personal and family investments, plus giving himself time to acquire and restore Hot Rods. He loved the challenge of real estate development in the San Diego area, serving as a partner in the development of the Carlsbad Inn, the Hilton Garden in Carlsbad as well as the new development of the Hilton Carlsbad Oceanfront Resort and Spa.Jeff also served an important role on the board of the Tribune Company for seven years. He supported the Boys and Girls Club, the YMCA and The Natural History Museum in San Diego as well as missionary work around the world.Jeff is survived by his wife, Charlotte, his daughter, Kristina, and his two brothers, Bruce and Stephen, and their families, as well as the family of his late sister, Corinne Chandler Werdel.A private memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at Nativity Catholic Church.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1441 Eastlake Avenue, Suite 8302 Los Angeles, CA 90033.